Advances in technology took center stage at the College of Natural Science’s 5th annual Classes Without Quizzes. The event, held April 26 at the Molecular Plant Sciences building, gave CNS alumni, friends and guests a chance to meet college faculty members and students, and get an insider’s look at the college’s most innovative science research and education activities.
The day’s “classes” featured presentations on precision agriculture, metabolomics, pain pathways, new information on galaxies and possibilities for building healthy bones. The day concluded with an undergraduate student panel of 2013-14 CNS Dean’s Research Scholars, who shared their research experiences. All of the presentations were geared toward a lay audience, making the science accessible and understandable to the public.
“This year participants were very enthused about what they heard from our faculty members and students,” CNS alumni relations coordinator Elizabeth Wheeler said. “They asked a lot of good questions and interacted with the participants. That’s exactly what we hoped this event would accomplish.”
Alumnus Thomas Law from East Lansing has attended Classes without Quizzes every year except one.
“I’m interested in hearing about the research because I want to continue to learn,” Law said. “I also enjoy talking to young people who are interested in learning about science. This gives me hope for the future.”
Alumnus Robert Pope and his wife, alumna Joan Pope, came from the Chicago area for the event.
“I think this concept should be picked up by other universities and organizations,” Joan Pope said. “We love it.”
Alumna Joyce Wildenthal particularly liked the information presented on how reducing gut inflammation could lead to increased bone density or at least prevent bone loss.
“It’s something that I can relate to and can see how it might affect me,” Wildenthal said.
The 6th annual Classes without Quizzes will be held in April 2015 and is open to all MSU alumni and friends.
For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact Elizabeth Wheeler, NatSci alumni relations coordinator at Szufnar@cns.msu.edu.